Protective headgear and shoulder pad apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

The invention includes a protective headpiece and components thereof and methods for their use. Preferred examples comprise a helmet component, a plurality of piers joining said helmet component to a shoulder pad component and an inner hat component permitting the wearer the ability to move the head from side to side and/or up and down within the helmet component without moving the helmet component. The helmet component may comprise a plurality of fluid-filled floating plates or floats on the inner surface thereof to cushion the head against impact during activities including, for example, football, race car driving, military activities and the like.

SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/057,938, filed Mar. 1, 2016.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is useful in sports, such as, without limitation,football (i.e., American, Australian and Canadian football), soccer,rugby, field and ice hockey, lacrosse, boxing and automotive andmotorcycle racing. Additionally, the invention may find application innon-sporting activities such as military and spacecraft activities, inwhich bodily contact is common or the risk of collision or accident ishigh.

In such activities there may be a high risk of head injuries such astraumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as injuries to the neck, back, andspine. TBI is defined as damage to the brain resulting from externalmechanical force, such as rapid acceleration or deceleration, impact,blast waves, or penetration by a projectile, that disrupts the normalfunction of the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly andviolently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and entersbrain tissue. Immediate symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate orsevere, depending on the extent of damage to the brain. Mild cases (mildtraumatic brain injury, or mTBI) may result in a brief change in mentalstate or consciousness, while severe cases may result in extendedperiods of unconsciousness, coma or even death.

In addition to the immediate effects of TBI, which manifest at themoment of injury, TBI can also cause secondary injuries, a variety ofevents that take place in the minutes, days, and weeks (or longer)following the injury. These processes, which may include alterations incerebral blood flow and the pressure within the skull, contributesubstantially to the damage from the initial injury. Chronic effects,particularly of moderate and severe TBI include cognitive deficits,including impaired attention; disrupted insight, judgment, and thought;reduced processing speed; distractibility; and deficits in executivefunctions such as abstract reasoning, planning, problem-solving, andmultitasking. These effects are also cumulative, at least in certainindividuals, particularly upon repetitive TBI, such as the mild TBIcommonly experienced by regular and professional football players.

A 2009 study ranked the 20 sports and/or recreational activitiesrepresenting the categories contributing to the highest number ofestimated head injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in2009.

TABLE 1 SPORT/ACTIVITY INJURIES TREATED Cycling: 85,389 Football: 46,948Baseball and Softball: 38,394 Basketball: 34,692 Water Sports (Diving,Scuba Diving, 28,716 Surfing, Swimming, Water Polo, Water Skiing, WaterTubing): Powered Recreational Vehicles 26,606 (ATVs, Dune Buggies,Go-Carts, Mini bikes, Off-road): Soccer: 24,184 Skateboards/Scooters:23,114 Fitness/Exercise/Health Club: 18,012 Winter Sports (SkiingSledding 16,948 Snowboarding Snowmobiling): Horseback Riding: 14,466Gymnastics/Dance/Cheerleading: 10,223 Golf: 10,035 Hockey: 8,145 OtherBall Sports: 6,883 Trampolines: 5,919 Rugby/Lacrosse: 5,794 Roller andInline Skating: 3,320 Ice Skating: 4,608

The American Society of Test and Materials (ASM) recommends thatprotective headgear be worn 100% of the time to reduce the risk of TBIin most high risk activities such as these.

As a result of the heightened awareness concerning the long term effectsof TBI, as of Jun. 1, 2013, there were more than 4,800 formerprofessional football players as plaintiffs in 242 concussion-relatedlawsuits against the National Football League. Furthermore, many currentor former athletes, including long-time Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditkaand quarterback Bret Favre and LeBron James, have stated that they wouldnot permit their children to play football due to risk of cognitivedeficits resulting from TBI.

In America football helmets made of leather were introduced in the late19^(th) century, with the introduction of the plastic football helmet in1940. In 2002 a more spherical helmet, the Riddel REVOLUTION® helmetmade of a polycarbonate shell and polyurethane and synthetic rubber foamon the interior surfaces, was introduced, and is now used by over 80% ofprofessional football players. The maker of the REVOLUTION® helmetclaimed that players wearing this helmet experience 31% fewerconcussions compared to players wearing older style helmets. However, in2011 a professor of neurology at the University of Michigan (and chairof the American Academy of Neurology's sports neurology section)testified before the U.S. Congress that “there is no significant data”in the study cited by the maker of the REVOLUTION® helmet to make theclaim that the helmet reduced concussions by 31%, and the Federal TradeCommission subsequently required this claim to be removed fromadvertising of the REVOLUTION® helmet.

Various attempts have been made to make improved protective helmets.U.S. Pat. No. 3,818,509 (Romo, et al.) is directed to a football helmethaving elastic straps at the sides and in the rear connected to theshoulder pads, to restrict or limit movement of the helmet upon animpact. There appears to be no added support for the head or neck inthis design, and concussion or TBI does not seem to be addressed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,699 (Abraham et al.) is directed to a helmetassembly designed to protect a wearer from cervical spine injuries. Thepatent discloses a helmet having a posterior flange that hooks under andbehind a helmet support ring, or collar that is held in place by a frameconnected to a shoulder plate.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,155,747 (Baker) is directed to a head stabilizing systemfor activities such as racing cars or boats, or for use in aircraft. Thesystem is meant to protect the spinal cord, base of the skull, and theneck from injury during a crash. The system comprises a helmet, aconnection structure (such as a shoulder pad), and at least oneresisting member (such as a tether or dashpot) connected to the helmetand the connection structure. The piston may contain a viscous fluidthat damps the impact by friction.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,968,576 (McNeil, et al.) describes a helmet providingcervical spine protection by having a pair of shock absorbers mounted tothe sides and connecting to a pair of shoulder pads usingball-and-socket mounts. A “pilot-operated valve” is said to permit freemovement of the helmet except when an impact is experienced by thehelmet, which then causes the valve to become activated and therebyblock hydraulic flow of fluid through tubes connecting the valve withthe shock absorbers.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0277225 (Salkind, et al.) is directedto an apparatus to prevent user injury from rotational force or whiplashdue to sudden impact. In this system a football helmet is connected to abody harness using a series of tethers and spools, similar to a seatbeltmechanism. Upon a predetermined movement of at least one tether, thespool will lock, preventing further movement of the tether. However,this system does not provide independent support to the neck.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0277225 (Castillo) is drawn to a headprotection system comprising a helmet having a hard shell and a paddedinterior, a shoulder cuff and a series of pistons having a viscous fluidwithin connected to the helmet and shoulder cuff to as shock dampers.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0237707 (Lane) discloses an impactdiversion system which includes a helmet system including a two-partring configured to fit around the user's neck and at least one postconnected to the helmet and having an end removably connected to thering. The harness system of the Lane publication includes a first halfand a second half that fit around the user's torso.

All patents, patent applications, and non-patent publications referencedin this specification are hereby individually incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

There remains a need for effective and improved protective headgear foruse by various recreational, military and professional users, includingboth children and adults. Such headgear should be capable ofsubstantially lessening the risk of TBI and neck, spine and back injurycaused by a blow or force applied to the head, and the incidence of TBI(e.g., expressed as a percentage in a population of users) as comparedto previously used helmets and protective headgear.

SUMMARY

In a broad example, the present invention is directed to methods andapparatus for preventing or reducing the severity of traumatic braininjury (TBI), neck, spine and/or back injury, through the use ofprotective headgear which is not supported, or is structured not to besubstantially supported by the wearer's head.

Thus, in a particular example, the present invention is drawn to aprotective headpiece comprising a helmet component having an interiorsurface, an exterior surface and optionally, depending upon the usethereof, a face mask component. The exterior surface of the helmetcomponent preferably comprises an outer protective shell, such as onemade from a durable material such as a hard, impact-resistant polymer.Such polymers, which are preferably strong and lightweight, may includeany suitable polymer; the majority of football helmets are made using apolycarbonate component. However, in other examples, the exteriorsurface of the helmet component may comprise a “soft” shell, such as aviscoelastic polymer component covering a hard shell componentunderneath, to reduce the force experienced by the wearer. Suchviscoelastic polymers include “memory foams” such as low-resiliencepolyurethane foam. If present, the soft shell component may in somecases be designed as an outer covering which can be affixed in placeusing a hook and loop type fastener, such as a VELCRO® fastener.

In certain examples of the invention the inner surface of the helmetcomponent may comprise one or more padding component, such as a foam orfluid-filled padding component. The padding components may comprisebladder-type “floats” or padding having a fluid-tight, fillable interiorspace or void, or a non-bladder padding component. The helmet componentmay comprise a combination of both bladder-type and non-bladder paddingcomponents. The padding may be made of any suitable polymer, such as apolyurethane, or a vinyl polymer, such as vinyl nitrile or materialshaving similar properties. The paddings may have different densitiesbased on their location in the interior of the helmet component, with,for example, the densest padding being in the region (in football,generally the forehead area) most likely to take the majority of theimpacts.

In other examples, the interior of the helmet component may comprise, orbe, at least one, and preferably a plurality of “floating plates” orfloats to facilitate some movement of the head (for example, from sideto side or up or down) within the helmet. The floating plates or floatsmay comprise a fluid-filled bladder, for example, the fluid may be airor gas, or a fluid such as a silicone liquid, for example, a highmolecular weight silicone preferably having a high specific gravity. Thebladders may be made from any suitable material, for example, they maycomprise a lightweight, strong material such as poly-paraphenyleneterephthalamide (KEVLAR®) or a material having similar properties.

In some examples the floating plates or floats may be set within thehelmet component, for example, within a molded or formed indentation onthe interior portion of the helmet component. For example, in someexamples one or more such float or floating plate may sit within ashallow depression about 0.5 inch to about 1 inch deep set inside theinner surface of the helmet component. In preferred examples a pluralityof floats, such as side floats positioned to protect either side of thehead, a front float, a rear float and a top float to contact the crownof the head may be present.

The floats may be fluid-filled containers, for example about the size ofa small plate, while the top float may be somewhat larger and shaped tofit the crown of the head (for example partially concave) and located onthe top of the inner surface of the helmet component. In some examples,the top float may be structured to slide and/or to rotate about aspindle or axis in a manner similar to a “Lazy Susan”, therebypermitting the wearer's head to turn from side to side within thehelmet.

In certain examples the side, forehead and/or rear floats arefluid-filled and rollable along an axis. For example, the floats may bein the approximate shape of a hair roller and mounted on an rollingaxel; an axel of the side floats may be positioned approximatelyvertically. An axel of the forehead and/or back float may be positionedapproximately horizontally. Preferably under normal circumstances thewearer's head may not make contact with the floats. However, when thehelmet receives a blow, it may be expected that the helmet willmomentarily distort inward at the point of the blow; the floats wouldthen be effective to both cushion the head and to permit the head tomove from side to side, thus allowing some freedom of motion andpermitting the head to move to avoid the full force of the blow.

Thus, in an important example, the helmet component of the presentinvention is structured so that the inner surface thereof makes nodirect contact, or minimal direct contact, with the wearer's head(except in certain examples, at the crown of the head against the floatwithin the helmet). In this way, the wearer may move the head within thehelmet component without the helmet component itself moving. By “head”is meant the cranium and/or the cranium and the facial bones, but is notmeant the mandible alone. For instance, in some examples the helmet isadapted to leave sufficient space between the inner surface of thehelmet and the outer surface of the inner hat component (describedbelow) to permit the wearer to move his or her head freely within anangular range. The space between the inner surface of the helmet and theouter surface of the inner hat component may comprise about 0.5 cm, orabout 1 cm, or about 1.5 cm, or about 2 cm or more. In some instancesthe vertical angular range of head movement (up and down) may be withina range of about 45 degrees, or about 40 degrees, or about 35 degrees,or about 30 degrees, or about 25 degrees, or about 20 degrees of about15 degrees. In some instances the horizontal angular range of headmovement (side to side) may be within a range of about 45 degrees, orabout 40 degrees, or about 35 degrees, or about 30 degrees, or about 25degrees, or about 20 degrees of about 15 degrees.

Additionally, the minimization or absence of direct contact between thehelmet component and the wearer's head lessens the likelihood,particularly when used in conjunction with the mechanism transferringimpact force to a shoulder or body harness structure to be describedbelow, that an impact received by the outer shell of the helmetcomponent will be transmitted to the head or brain of the wearer.

The floats may be structured to be integral to the helmet component, ormay be structured to fit or be secured within the depressions orshallows when the helmet component is worn using, for example, hook andloop-type fasteners or webbing and straps.

In preferred examples of the present invention, the headgear apparatusof the present invention comprises a separate inner hat component, whichmay be a “soft”, preferably padded, hat component, closely fitting thewearer's head. The inner hat component is lightweight and may becomprised of, for example, a polymeric material having a cushioningproperty. In some examples the inner hat component may, when worn withthe outer helmet, be situated proximal to one or more floats the insideof the helmet component and can be firmly secured to the wearer's headusing, for example, one or more preferably well-padded chin strap. Verypreferably the inner hat component includes padding comprising a maskcomponent and/or forehead components to prevent injury to the forehead,mouth and nose resulting from a blow forcing the face against thefacemask of the helmet.

The hat component is structured and designed to interact with the helmetcomponent so as to allow a range of motion for the wearer, therebypermitting wearers to move the head and inner hat componentindependently of the outer helmet component to adjust their view withina range of vision while wearing the protective headgear apparatus of thepresent invention.

In some preferred examples, at least a portion of the outer surface ofthe inner hat component is substantially smooth, and may be at leastpartially coated with a material having low friction, such as a materialcomprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), sold under the trade nameTEFLON®. In some of these preferred examples, at least a portion theinterior surface of the helmet component may also similarly may be atleast partially coated with a material having low friction (e.g., PTFE);when the wearer experiences a blow to the helmet, the head and inner hatcomponent may move independently of the outer helmet component withlower friction than if one or both surfaces were not coated with the lowfriction material. In some examples, at least a portion of the surfaceof the floating plates may be at least partially coated with a materialhaving low friction (e.g., PTFE). In some examples, the floats or otherpadding may be located under a “skin” of the helmet component at leastpartially covering the interior surface of the helmet component; thisskin may be substantially smooth, thereby permitting the inner hat toskid off the interior part of the helmet when a blow is experienced. Insome examples, the interior surface of the helmet component may notcomprise floating plates, but may be appropriately padded, for example,with a foam.

As described above, in important examples, the helmet component and theinner hat component are structured and fitted in a manner such that aspace or gap is maintained between the inside of the helmet and at leasta substantial part of the outer surface of the inner hat during normalcircumstances.

Preferably, the helmet component has a wider, and optionally higher,face opening than a conventional football helmet. Since the helmet makesno direct contact, or only minimal direct contact, with the inner hat,and is preferably sized to maintain a gap between the inner hat and thehelmet, the helmet component may be larger than a conventional footballhelmet in some examples. For e.g., sports applications the helmetcomponent may also comprise a face mask component, such as a metal orpolymer-coated metal “birdcage” type face mask component similar tothose in current use. Preferably, the face mask component will be largerthan conventional faceplates to accommodate the helmet component'slarger face aperture in some examples of the present invention.

In important examples of the present invention the helmet component iseither permanently or (preferably) connectably affixed to a shoulder padcomponent. Unless indicated otherwise expressly, it will be understoodthat the term “shoulder pad component” refers to a protective piece ofequipment comprising a shock absorbing pad material with a hard plasticouter covering. As used in this specification, the protective equipmentdenoted the “shoulder pad component”, like the “shoulder pad”,substantially covers the top portion of each of the two shoulder joints.As used herein, the shoulder joint comprises the part of the body wherethe humerus attaches to the scapula, the head sitting in the glenoidcavity, and is synonymous with the glenohumeral joint. The term“shoulder” or “shoulder(s)”, as used herein, means the shoulder jointand nearby structures, but excludes the neck, the portion of theclavicle that makes contact with the spine, or any portion of the spine.As used in this specification, the term “shoulder pad component” doesnot refer to any structure or apparatus in which a rigid post or piersupporting the helmet component is connected directly to a ring orcollar configured to fit around a user's neck and rest on the neck orclavicle of the user, whether or not such ring or collar is otherwisepart of a shoulder pad component as otherwise described above.Preferably, such a structure or apparatus is expressly disclaimed aswithin the scope of this invention.

The shoulder pad component of the present invention is thus adapted tocover at least the top portion of the wearer's shoulders. Additionally,the shoulder pad component comprises an important part of aforce-dissipating unitary engineered assembly or network linking thehelmet component, the rigid piers, and the shoulder pad component. Thus,the shoulder pad component does not comprise a harness system comprisinga vest (a sleeveless garment that does not cover the shoulder joint)adapted to be fastened around the user's torso.

The shoulder pad component very preferably includes a plurality of rigidforce-directing members, which may comprise, without limitation,natural, elastomeric, metallic, or synthetic fibers or materials (or amixture of any of these), rods, or narrow flexible strips (battens)permanently or removably integrated as part of the shoulder padcomponent. In one example, the force-directing members may be arrangedin a manner similar to the roots of a tree, so as to diffuse the forceof a blow to the helmet transmitted through the piers (described below)and then throughout the force-directing members of the shoulder padapparatus to the shoulders and upper body and away from the head. As aresult, the shoulder pad component will transfer the force of as blow tothe chest and shoulder rather than to the head, neck or collarbone. Inuse, the shoulder pad component of the present invention.

As used in this specification the term unitary engineered assembly” or“unitary engineered network” means a combination of the helmet componentcomprising integrated rigid piers connected or the connectable toshoulder pad component, and the shoulder pad component itself,comprising force-directing members, as exemplified above.

As discussed above, the helmet component is made to function as a strongunitary engineered assembly with the shoulder pad component, therebytransferring impact force applied to the helmet to the shoulders and/orbody rather than the head, neck and/or spine.

Thus, in preferred examples, the helmet component is fabricated tocontain a plurality of integral bars or “piers” that connect the helmetcomponent to the shoulder pad component and support the helmet duringuse. The piers may be located at the back, sides and front of thehelmet, for example, there may be four piers, with one located in thefront, one in the back, and one of each side of the helmet. In otherexamples there may be more or less than four piers.

The piers are strong enough to absorb at least a portion of the forcetransmitted by a direct impact to the helmet, but in one example arealso preferably flexible enough to absorb some of the force of a hardimpact; the piers are preferably structured to absorb torque forces aswell. However, in other examples, the piers are substantiallynon-flexible.

The piers may be manufactured using, for example, a core made from asuitably strong and lightweight material, such as one or more oftitanium, a titanium alloy, a non-titanium metal, a nanostructuredceramic, a nanostructured metal or metal alloy, a thermopolymer, or acarbon polymer. Preferably the piers are integrated into the helmetcomponent as part of the structure of the helmet (e.g., during themanufacturing process), such as through a engineered network connectingthe piers within the helmet to help diffuse and distribute impact forcesthroughout the helmet component into each of the piers and therebyevenly transfer the force to the shoulder pad component.

In some examples (for example, ones in which the piers are non-removablefrom the shoulder pad component) the piers may be integrated into theshoulder pad component so as to make the helmet component and theshoulder pad component a single structure. In these examples, the piersmay be integrated into the shoulder pad component in a manner similar totheir connection to the helmet component, such as through an engineerednetwork connecting the piers within the shoulder pad component (whichmay contain force-directing members as described above) to help betterdiffuse impact forces along the shoulders.

In these examples, therefore, the helmet component and the shoulder padcomponent together comprise a single unitary engineered assembly whichcan be used by placing the shoulder pads over the head, and thenlowering the assembly so that the helmet component fits onto thewearer's head. However, in other examples, the piers are connectable toand removable from the shoulder pad component, and are not permanentlyintegrated therein.

The shoulder pad component may generally consist of a hard plastic shellwith foam or fluid filled padding underneath. The pads fit over theshoulders and the chest and rib area, and may be secured with varioussnaps and/or buckles, for example, at the front of the chest or near thebottom of the shoulder pad component. In preferred examples, theshoulder pad component does not comprise a strap system for connectingthe shoulder pad apparatus to the user's clothing. Preferably theshoulder pad apparatus does not comprise two halves (such as a fronthalf and a back half) fitted together by a closure assembly. In use, theshoulder pad assembly is very preferably not worn under or inconjunction with protective equipment or padding, and does notincorporate attachment sites for “traditional shoulder pads”, or a strapsystem extending from attachment points on the shoulder pad apparatus tothe user's pants, belt or jock strap.

In the present invention, the piers are preferably integrated within, orjoined to, the shoulder pad component so as to distribute impact forcesexperienced by the helmet to the shoulder pad component and thencethroughout the shoulder pad component by way of the force-directingmembers within the shoulder pad component. In this way, the concussiveforce applied to the head is deflected from the head and brain to theshoulders and chest by a unitary engineered assembly or network. In someexamples, the piers may be joined to a shock-absorbing component, suchas a short-stroke compressible pneumatic or hydraulic shock-absorbingcomponent located, for example, either at the junction between the pierand the shoulder pad component, or (less preferably) at the juncturebetween the helmet component and the pier component. The stroke of theshock absorbers may be about one inch or less, such as about iii inch,or about ½ inch or about ¼ inch. The shock-absorbing component may bestructured to be part of, or securely connectable to, the shoulder padcomponent (for example, within a pocket, depression, or recess withinthe shoulder pad component) to avoid possible unintentional contact withequipment or other players during activities.

In other examples shock absorbing element may comprise a hardelastomeric material structured to compress substantially only under aforce having a magnitude of a blow to the helmet, such as a force of 25G (25 times the force of gravity) or more or 50 G or more, or 75 G ormore, or 100 G or more.

The piers are preferably capable of withstanding and distributing impactforces of up to one ton or more. It has been estimated that anaverage-sized National Football League defensive back (about 5 feet 11inches in height and weighing 200 pounds) is capable of an average speedof 40 yards in 4.5 seconds. This combination of speed and mass canresult in 1,600 pounds of tackling force. Simulating impact forces on anobject the size and weight of a human head (about 20 pounds) dropped twofeet onto a football field yields a metric in multiples of gravitationalforce. Walking exerts about 1 G on the object. An F-16 fighter rollexerts about 9 G, while a concussion exerts about 100 G, and an extremefootball impact exerts about 130 G on the head.

Thus, preferably the piers of the present invention are capable ofwithstanding a force of up to 100 G, or up to 125 G, or up to 150 G, orup to 175 G, or up to 200 G, or more without breaking, cracking, orbecoming separated from either the helmet component or the shoulder padcomponent.

In preferred examples, the helmet component may be structured to beremovable from the shoulder pad component. For example, the piers maycomprise one or more quick-release mechanism to permit the helmetcomponent to removed quickly in the event of an injury. Thesequick-release mechanisms should be capable of activation both by thewearer or by another person (such as a medical technician or doctor),but should be structured in a manner that prevents unintentionalactivation of the quick-release mechanism during play or other activity,or malicious removal by an opposing player.

Examples of suitable quick-release mechanisms are well known to those ofordinary skill in the art, and may comprise any suitable quick releasemechanism. Thus, such a quick release mechanism may compose (withoutlimitation) quick-release pins, which can be pulled to separate thepiers from the Helmet component or shoulder pad component, gimbaledlatch mechanisms similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patent PublicationNo. US 2014/0259319, loops and clasps, carabiners and the like. In someexamples, the quick-release mechanism may be integrated into the systemin conjunction with shock absorber-type components connected to orassociated with the piers, if these are present. Thus, the quick releasemechanism may comprise pier connectors located at the downward end ofeach pier.

Additionally, certain of the examples of the present invention mayinclude one or more quick-release mechanisms for the face mask of thehelmet component such as hinges on one side of the face mask and one ormore quick-release latch on an opposing side, permitting to be removedor opened when the player is on the sidelines or bench, thus permittingthe wearer to eat or drink, or for emergency medical aid to be providedwhen and as necessary. A particular example of a quick release mechanismfor the face mask may comprise a heavy duty hinge or plurality of suchhinges securing the face mask to the helmet component on one side of theface aperture, with one or more releasable heavy duty latch componentlocking the face mask in place at an opposing side of the face aperture.

In preferred examples of the invention, the shoulder pad incorporates aforce-diffusing component to which the piers from the helmet componentare partly or wholly joined. In one example, the force-diffusingcomponent may comprise a roughly circular or ovoid reinforcement elementsupported on top of the shoulders around the neck opening (i.e.,supported by the clavicles, upper ribs, sternum and scapulae andoverlying muscles), and integrated as part of the shoulder pad assemblyas a whole. When used as a separate element of the invention thiselement generally comprises a similar construction as that found in theshoulder pad component; for example, a hard plastic shell capable ofrigidly, but flexibly, distributing shock forces received from thehelmet component through the piers to the force-diffusing component. Theunderportion of the force-diffusing component is lined with padding,such as an elastomeric polymeric foam. In preferred examples, thisforce-diffusing element may be integrated into, joined with, or embeddedas part of the shoulder pad component. As referenced herein, theforce-diffusing element will be regarded as part of the shoulder padcomponent unless specifically indicated as being absent, support forwhich specific indication is hereby provided.

The force-diffusing element preferably comprises a mating connectorcomponent structured to accept and securely hold the piers of the helmetcomponent, thus rendering the helmet as a unitary structure with theshoulder pad component. In one example of such a mating structurecomponent, the force-diffusing element may comprise a plurality of loopslocated on the circumference of the forced diffusing component anddirectly under the helmet piers when the helmet is placed on the headover the shoulder pad assembly. These loops are preferably integratedinto a reinforced portion of the force-diffusing element, which maycomprise, for example, a cable core surrounded by hard polymer. Theloops are sized to be able to be connected to, for example, hook snap orleach-type snap pier connectors. Furthermore, regardless of the specifictype of connector used, in preferred examples of the present invention,the mating connector component is an element of the force-directingcomponents contained in the shoulder pad component.

In particularly preferred examples the shoulder pad component maycomprise a collar component to dampen side to side and/or front to backmovement of the head upon impact, and helps protect the contact of thehead with the interior of the helmet as well as protecting the wearerfrom neck injury (such as whiplash) as a result of a blow during play orother activity. In no embodiment or example of the present inventiondoes the collar component comprise a mating connector, such as a socket,capable of the present invention receiving one end of a pier connected,at its other end, to a helmet component, and in no case does a unitaryengineered system (or network) of the present invention, or a shoulderpad component of the present invention comprise a ring resting on theneck or shoulders which is directly connected or connectable to such apier.

The collar component may be, and preferably is, integrated as part of,of affixed to the shoulder pad component and/or the force diffusingelement around the neck, and, depending upon the particular design ofthe shoulder pad component, may project above the shoulder pads aboutone to about four inches, sufficiently to cushion contact of the neckand base of the head with the helmet interior as a result of an impact.Preferably, when viewed from the outside, the collar has a slight tomoderate concave curvature, supporting the back of the neck.

The collar component s preferably supported internally by one or morestrong, somewhat flexible material, such as, without limitation: metal,a strong flexible polymer, carbon fiber, or fiberglass, cushioned withpadding where the collar makes contact with the neck or head. Forexample, the collar may comprise a set of “staves”, for example, widerthan they are thick, arranged in a manner similar to fence staves,around the circumference of the neck. The staves may be covered with acushioning material, either individually or collectively. The staves arepreferably integrated as part of, of affixed to, the shoulder padcomponent and/or the force diffusing element around the neck. Anadvantage of a collar component having such a “stave” design is thateach stave may bend or flex on its own, without substantially affectingthe position of other staves.

In some examples, the present invention may be structured, and/orprovide, for the helmet component to be placed on the head after theshoulder pad component has been put on and fitted, in a manner similarto how the helmet of a deep sea diving suit is placed on the head andsecured to the suit after the diver has put the remainder of the suiton. In such examples, the piers of the helmet component may terminate ina fixture, for example, a circular, ovoid, or diamond-shaped fixture,that can then be firmly mated with or joined to a corresponding shoulderpad component fixture (such as, without limitation, a force-diffusingcomponent), preferably using quick-release fasteners.

In other examples, the helmet component may comprise a plurality ofpiers extending generally downward therefrom with pier connectors at ornear the lower portion of one or more pier. Preferably, at least fourpiers have connectors located at or near their lowest point. Eachconnector may be structured to fit and lock to a corresponding connectorreceptacle located on or in the shoulder pad component. In someexamples, the connector receptacle may be embedded within the body ofthe shoulder pad component; for example, such a connector receptacle maycomprise a small shock-absorbing component connected to theforce-diffusing component of the shoulder pad with a shock diffuserplate underlying each receptacle point. Each connector of the helmetcomponent piers may fit into, and lock within its correspondingreceptacle, such as by a “locking slide mechanism”, such as using aheavy duty latch buckle, such as one made from a strong polymer, metal,or metal alloy. In such cases the connector receptacle is preferably anelement of the force-directing components contained in the shoulder padcomponent.

In another example, the pier connectors may comprise an attachable orintegrated snap hook, such as a dog leash-type snap, or a mountaineeringsnap hook. The hook or leash-type snap should be able to be securedagainst accidental opening, such as with a screw-down lock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a frontal view of one example of a helmetcomponent/shoulder pad component assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a rear view of the example of the helmetcomponent/shoulder pad component assembly shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of another example of a helmetcomponent/shoulder pad component assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows a cross-section through line A-A of the mating collarstructure used in the helmet component/shoulder pad component assemblyof FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-section through line A′-A′ of the mating collarstructure used in the helmet component/shoulder pad component assemblyof FIG. 2.

FIG. 3C shows a cross-section through line B-B of the ring structureused in the helmet component/shoulder pad component assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3D shows a cross sectional through line B′-B′ of the ring structureused in the helmet component/shoulder pad component assembly of FIG. 2,comprising a lower intermediate horizontally extending member.

FIG. 3E shows the cross-sectional arrangement of the mating surfaces ofthe ring structure and the mating collar structure of FIG. 2 when theunitary helmet component/pier/ring structure assembly is placed on themating collar structure in an “offset”, unlocked position.

FIG. 3F the cross-sectional arrangement of the mating surfaces of thering structure and the mating collar structure when the unitary helmetcomponent/pier/ring structure assembly is rotated from the “offset”position of FIG. 3F into a “locked” position.

FIG. 3G shows a perspective top view of a portion of the mating surfaceof the mating collar structure of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a partial cutaway front view of a helmet component andinner hat component of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a view of the inner surface of a helmet component of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 shows a view of a spindle component and top float assembly of thehelmet component of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a frontal view of one example of a helmetcomponent/shoulder pad component assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a close up view of the pier connectors and mating connectorelements shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows an example of an inner hat of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a shoulder pad component comprising a collar component.

FIG. 11 shows the apparatus of FIG. 10 in which the helmet component isremoved to show the attached collar component.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative design of a collar component comprising aseries of staves.

FIG. 13A shows a front view of an example of a shoulder pad componenthaving force-directing members.

FIG. 13B shows an oblique top view of an example of a shoulder padcomponent having force-directing members.

FIG. 14 shows a front view of a helmet component of the presentinvention showing the integration of the piers within the helmet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A is a front view of an exemplary protective headgear apparatus ofthe present invention. The helmet component 101 of this examplecomprises a hard shell 103 substantially surrounding the back and sidesof the wearer's head; in other examples at least a portion of the outersurface of the helmet component may comprise padding overlying a hardshell. When in use, the helmet component may be substantially stationaryand fixed with respect to the shoulder pad component 113, with little ornone of the helmet's weight applied to the wearer's head. Accordingly,the front portion of the helmet component may comprise, for example, a“birdcage-style” face mask 107 structured and designed in a mannersimilar to standard football face masks, or face masks containing anysuitable number of bars in any other shape sufficient to provideprotection of the wearer's face. The face mask bars 107 may be comprisedof metal, for example a plastic- and/or elastomer-covered metal.However, the size (particularly, but not necessarily exclusively, thewidth) of the face mask, and the corresponding frontal aperture 109 ofthe helmet component are each preferably larger and/or wider thantraditional football helmets, since the wearer's head is preferably notrestricted from moving substantially within the interior of the helmetcomponent. Other face masks, such as transparent face masks, may be usedin other examples of the present invention, such as racing or militaryapplications.

The helmet component 101 may further comprise ear holes 105 permittingthe wearer to more clearly hear spoken commands or plays. Alternativelyor optionally one or more wireless speakers may be placed proximate thewearer's ear(s) within the interior of the helmet component so that, forexample, a coach or trainer may advise the wearer of importantinformation, such as comments, strategy, or plays by radio or wirelesstransmission.

The helmet component of the example shown in FIG. 1A has four piers(111; only three visible in this view) joining the helmet component tothe shoulder pad component 113 and extending substantially downward fromthe helmet component. In other examples the number of piers may vary.The piers 111 are preferably strong and may be substantially inflexible.Preferably the piers are comprised of a rigid, strong material such as ametal, metal alloy or carbon fiber polymer that is integrated as part ofthe helmet component during its manufacture, in which the piers areconnected within the helmet in such as manner as to distribute the forceof a blow to any portion of the helmet component among the plurality ofpiers. The lower portion of each of the piers preferably comprises aconnector component 115 structured to join securely and firmly within acorresponding connector receptacle 117 of the shoulder pad component113. Very preferably, the pier connector component 115 and the connectorreceptacle 117 of the shoulder pad component 113 are structured to berapidly releasable, thereby permitting the helmet component 101 to bequickly removed by the player or by a doctor, coach, or medicaltechnician, if desired. In FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the exemplary quickrelease mechanism comprises barbs on the connector components of thepiers, with as locking connector receptacle similar to these holdingautomobile headrests.

In some examples, the connector receptacle component 117 may be whollyor partially embedded beneath the surface of the shoulder pad component113, (for example, as part of a force-diffusing component) where it isintegrated with the force-directing members of the shoulder padcomponent.

FIG. 1B shows a back view of the same exemplary helmet/shoulder padassembly shown in FIG. 1A. Thus, the helmet component shell 103 is shownwith piers 111 (integrated into the helmet component) and joined to theshoulder pad component 113 via pier connector components 115 andconnector receptacle components 117 wholly or partially embedded beneaththe surface of the shoulder pad component 113, (for example, as part ofa force-diffusing component) where it is integrated with theforce-directing members of the shoulder pad component.

FIG. 2 shows a helmet component 201 in an alternative exemplary design.In this example, the helmet component shell 203 having ear holes 205,face mask 207 and piers 211 integrated as part of the helmet issubstantially similar or identical to that depicted in the example shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B. However, the piers terminate at their lower ends ina ring structure 209 encircling the neck of the wearer. The ringstructure may be comprised of a lightweight, strong material able towithstand repeated mechanical shock and blows; for example, the ringstructure may comprise a lightweight metallic element such as a titaniumalloy; a polymeric material, a fiberglass material or a carbon fibermaterial. Particular care should be given to the strength of the jointbetween the piers and the ring structure. In certain examples the helmetcomponent 201, piers 211 and ring structure 209 may be manufactured as asingle piece in a process comprising casting or molding (for example,injection molding) of the structure as a unit.

The ring structure 209 is structured to mate with a mating collarstructure 215 comprised or joined as part of the shoulder pad component213. Preferably, the mating collar structure 215 is comprised in or aspart of a force-diffusing component 217 which, in turn may be integratedas part of the shoulder pad component (for example, as part of aforce-diffusing component), where it is, in turn, integrated with theforce-directing members of the shoulder pad component to form part of aunitary engineered network.

The ring structure 209 and the mating collar structure 215 may mate inany suitably strong manner to firmly and strongly secure the helmetcomponent 201 to the shoulder pad component 213 when is use. However, itis very preferable that the helmet component and/or face mask be able tobe easily and quickly removed from the mating collar component by thewearer or by, for example, a trainer, doctor, or emergency medicaltechnician. The mating collar structure 215 should be strongly attachedto, embedded within, or made (for example, formed or cast) as part of,the force-diffusing component 217 or shoulder pad component 213.

The manner of the connection between the ring structure and the matingcollar structure may be of any suitable design. In one example, shown inFIG. 3A (a cross-section through line A-A of FIG. 2), the mating collarstructure comprises a shape resembling an “L” 301, this L shape havingan upwardly vertically extending component 303 and a bottom horizontallyextending component 305. The L-shape may be interrupted at intervals(for example, at regular intervals) with an upper intermediatehorizontally extending component 307, shown in FIG. 3B (a cross-sectionthrough line A′-A′ of FIG. 2), rendering a mating collar structurehaving a “C” cross sectional shape 309 at such locations. In thisexample, the top horizontally extending component 307 extendstransversely partially around the circumference of the mating collarstructure's upwardly vertically extending component 303.

As shown here, the mating surfaces of the ring structure joined to thehelmet component (FIG. 2, 209) are complementary to the mating surfacesof the mating collar structure 215 described above. Thus, in the exampledepicted in FIG. 3C (a cross-section through line B-B of FIG. 2), thering structure comprises a mating surface 311 comprising an inverted “U”shape in cross section, and having an inner downwardly extendingvertical component 313, an upper horizontally extending component 317,and an outer downwardly extending vertical component 315. As shown inFIG. 3D (a cross-section through line B′-B′ of FIG. 2), intermittently;for example, at intervals substantially identical to those of the matingcollar structure, this inverted “U” shape may be interrupted with alower intermediate horizontally extending member, see FIG. 3D, 319.

FIG. 3E is a depiction of the cross-sectional arrangement of a portionof the mating surfaces of the ring structure and the mating collarstructure when the unitary helmet component/pier/ring structure assemblyis placed on the mating collar structure in an “offset”, unlockedposition. In this state, the upward extending vertical component 303 ofthe mating collar structure fits between the inner downwardly extendingvertical component 313 and outer downwardly extending vertical component315 of the ring structure. The lower surface of the outer downwardlyextending vertical component 315 of the ring structure may rest upon thelower horizontally extending component 305 of the mating collarstructure. The mating collar structure preferably is structured as partof the force-diffusing element of the shoulder pad component, and maycomprise a hard elastomer 321 or other shock-absorbing elementunderlying the lower horizontally extending component 305. The hardelastomer is chosen to compress only at the greater forces associatedwith a blow or “hit”.

FIG. 3F is a depiction of the cross-sectional arrangement of the matingsurfaces of the ring structure and the mating collar structure when theunitary helmet component/pier/ring structure assembly is rotated fromthe “offset” position into a “locked” position. This rotationsubstantially aligns the upper intermediate horizontally extendingcomponent 307 of the mating collar component over the lower intermediatehorizontally extending component 319 of the ring structure, thus lockingthe unitary helmet component/pier/ring structure assembly to the matingcollar structure.

Referring now to FIG. 3G, a perspective top view of a portion of themating surface of the mating collar structure (FIG. 2, 215) is shown,with upper intermediate horizontally extending components 307, upwardlyvertically extending component 303 and bottom horizontally extendingcomponent 305. As shown in this figure, upper intermediate horizontallyextending components 307 are spaced apart so as to fit the lowerintermediate horizontally extending components 319 of the ring structurebetween them when the ring structure assembly is placed on the matingcollar structure in an “offset” position.

As shown in FIG. 3G, preferably at least one of the upper intermediatehorizontally extending component 307 and the lower intermediatehorizontally extending component 319 is formed with one or more narrowedsubstantially wedge-shaped end 325 to facilitate the subduction of thelower intermediate horizontally extending component 319 under the upperintermediate horizontally extending component 307 when the ringstructure of the helmet component is rotated into a locked positionwithin the mating surface of the mating collar structure (FIG. 2, 215).Additionally, the width of the upper intermediate horizontally extendingcomponent 307 and/or the lower intermediate horizontally extendingcomponent 319, at, for example, a transverse midpoint 323, should besufficiently wide to wedge and maintain the lower intermediatehorizontally extending component 319 in a locked position under theupper intermediate horizontally extending component 307, and prevent itfrom slipping past the widest part of the upper intermediatehorizontally extending component 307, thus becoming “unlocked”.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the widest pointof the upper and/or lower intermediate horizontally extending componentsmay be located at positions other than midway along the transverselength of the component. For example, one or both of these componentsmay be formed as a wedge or partial wedge, having the widest part of thewedge located at one end thereof. Furthermore, while this descriptionprovides one example of a locking mechanism for joining the helmetcomponent to the shoulder pad component, those of ordinary skill in theart will immediately envision alternative methods.

FIG. 4 shows a partial cutaway view of an example of a helmet component401 being worn by a player together with an inner hat component 403. Inthe example shown, the helmet component 401 (shown for clarity withoutthe face mask) comprises a top fluid-filled floating plate 408 on theinside surface of the helmet, and two side fluid-filled floating plates405 located proximate to the temple area of the wearer's head. The innerhat closely fits the wearer's head, and is preferably not attached tothe inside of the helmet component. The inner hat component preferablycomprises a padded chin strap 407 to secure the hat component to thehead, and a face and forehead mask made of padding to protect againstthe face being forced towards the face mask (shown in FIG. 9 and FIG.10)). The crown of the inner hat is preferably free to move within theinside surfaces of the helmet component, (except, in certain examples,the inner hat makes contact against the top float) so that the wearercan move the head and inner hat from side to side and/or up and downrelatively freely within the helmet.

FIG. 5 shows a upward view of the inside surface 501 of an exemplaryhelmet component in accordance with the apparatus of the presentinvention. In this view, the top fluid-filled float 509 is secured tothe interior surface of the helmet by a sliding spindle component 511set into a circular inset 513 formed within the helmet components insidesurface. A forehead float 503, two side floats 505, and a rear float 507are also shown. The sliding spindle arrangement thus may function like a“lazy susan” permitting rotation of the head within the helmetcomponent. For clarity, in this view the piers are not shown.

FIG. 6 is a cross section of the portion of the helmet component of FIG.5 showing the top float 603 and the spindle component 605, which fitswithin a void 609 formed within the inner surface of the helmetcomponent and is secured in place by a circular insert 607. The spindlecomponent 605 must be strong and preferably has a diameter equal to orless than about half that of the hole 611 in the inner surface of thehelmet component through which the spindle component projects to permitthe spindle component 605 to slide freely from one side of the hole 611to another. The circular inset 607 preferably has a diametersufficiently greater than hole 611 to permit the top float 603 to rotatearound the axis of the spindle component 605.

In this manner, during use the wearer will have the benefit of theprotection of the protective headgear apparatus (the elements of which,form the unitary engineered network), while the inner hat and floatassembly and the space within the helmet assembly will allow the wearerto move the head relatively freely within the helmet component in orderto be able to scan the playing field and/or outside environment withoutrequiring the shoulders or body to move.

FIG. 7 shows another example of the protective headgear apparatus of thepresent invention. The helmet component 701 and piers 703 in thisexample are configured essentially as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, withthe lower end of each pier comprising a connector component 705comprising a hook latch structured to fit within a connector receptaclecomponent (loop) 707 firmly incorporated as part of an ovoidforce-diffusing element 709 incorporated as part of the shoulder padcomponent. The force-diffusing element is, joined to, or comprises partof, the shoulder pad component 711 (the entire shoulder pad componentincluding the shoulder joint coverings, is not shown in this view). Inother words, the force-diffusing element 709 receives force from a blowor shock to the helmet component 701 through the piers 703 anddistributes the force of the blow or shock through the force-directingmembers (FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B) of the shoulder pad component 711, thuslessening the severity of this force at any one point, and distributingthe force through the shoulders, chest, and musculature of the back.

The force-diffusing element may preferably be fabricated as part of theshoulder pad component, with connector receptacle components builttherein. Less preferably, but still within the scope of this invention,the force-diffusing element may be fabricated as a separate element tobe secured to an existing shoulder pad, for example, with nylon webbingand buckles, or anther similar suitably strong connector. IN either casethe shoulder pad component very preferably comprises a plurality offorce-directing members that distributes the force of the transmittedblow through the shoulders, chest, and musculature of the back.

Turning now to FIG. 8, this figure provides a close up view of the pierconnectors 801 and mating connector structure 803 of the protectiveheadwear assembly in FIG. 7. In this case, the piers 805 terminate in areinforced eyelet 807 comprising a hole through which the pier connector801 (here shown as a nook snap) may be introduced. The mating connectorstructure 803 shown in FIG. 8 is a reinforced loop comprising astainless steel cable core encased within a durable, slightly flexiblehard polymer. The mating connector structure 803 is located around theedge 809 of an ovoid force-diffusing element 811, with which it isintegrated and either connected or proximal to the force-directingmembers of the shoulder pad component so as to permit the force todissipate over the shoulders, back and chest of the user. Theforce-diffusing element 811 is a part of the shoulder pad component.

FIG. 9 is a depiction of an inner hat of the present invention. Theinner hat 901 may be comprised of polymeric material, particularly,around the head the polymeric material is cushioning or paddingmaterial. The inner hat is preferably lightweight. The polymeric paddingmay underlie a skin comprising a smooth, low friction material such as aTEFLON® lubricant surface 905. In FIG. 9, the padding 902 is shownunderlying the TEFLON® skin. The inner hat has ear protection 907,forehead padding 911, and a padded mask 909 covering the mouth and nose,and serving as a chin strap to secure the inner hat to the wearer'shead. In some examples the outer surface of the inner hat may beuntextured and substantially smooth.

FIG. 10 shows a portion of the shoulder pad component 1001 comprising acollar component 1003 encircling the neck of the wearer for theprevention of whiplash and head injury due to the movement of the headinside the fixed helmet 1007 following an impact. The piers 1005supporting the helmet are also shown. Importantly, the collar componentcomprises a unitary engineered network firmly integrated into or affixedto the shoulder pad assembly by force directing members containedtherewithin, as described above. The collar component preferablycomprises a padded surface near the skin (such as neoprene or anotherfoam polymer), and a strong, comparatively thin, flexible protectivematerial such as a metal, polymeric, carbon fiber, or fiberglassmaterial surrounding the neck. The interior of the collar component maycurve outward convexly to support the neck and cushion the head, whilenot substantially interfering with head or shoulder movement.

FIG. 11 is the apparatus of FIG. 10 with the helmet component removed toshow the integrated or attached collar component (with its padding orcushioning overlying the strong resilient material underneath) moreclearly.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative design of a collar component 1003. In thisdesign, the collar component comprises a series of stave components 1009arranged around the neck opening of the shoulder pad component 1001. Thestave components may each comprise a strong, comparatively thin,flexible material such as a metal, carbon fiber, or fiberglass, and mayhave a width of from about ½ inch to about 3 inches or so, in half-inchintervals. The staves may be collectively and/or individually coveredwith a padding or cushioning material, particularly where the collarcomponent contacts the neck. Individual staves made be formed to curveoutward convexly (when viewed from the perspective of the shoulder padneck opening) in order to support the neck, while being sufficientlywide at the top and bottom not to substantially interfering with head orshoulder movement. The staves are firmly integrated into or affixed tothe shoulder pad assembly. For example, without limitation, the bottomportions of the staves may be linked together by one or more fiber,cable, wire, or bundle comprising an integral part of the shoulder padassembly, or may be molded as part of a shoulder pad component.

It will be understood that in some examples of the present invention, ashoulder pad assembly. Unless specifically excluded, a shoulder padcomponent include a plurality of force-directing members; and supportfor such specific exclusion is hereby provided.

FIG. 13A is a front view of an example of a shoulder pad component 1301of the present invention, showing an example of integral force-directingmembers 1303 embedded within the shoulder pad component and linking theconnector receptacles 1305, which receive the piers of the helmet (notshown), with the force diffusing component 1307 integrated within theshoulder pad component. As described above, the shoulder pad componentcomprises a hard polymeric outer shell covering the shoulders includingthe shoulder joint, for example, comprising shoulder plates 1309, armplates 1311 and body plates 1313. The polymeric outer shell overlies aninner layer of a polymeric foam 1315. The inner layer may in otherexamples be a fluid-filled padding. The shoulder pad component is shownwith a belt or cinch to secure the shoulder pad apparatus around thewaist.

As shown, the force-directing members 1303 are arranged in a mannersimilar to the roots of a tree, along the chest, back (not shown) andalong the shoulders and upper arm so as to diffuse the force of a blowto the helmet transmitted through the piers and then throughout theshoulder pad apparatus to the shoulders and upper body and away from thehead. The force-directing members are preferably transversely flexible,but linearly rigid enough to absorb and direct a force received from thehelmet via a connecting receptacle inner hat to the shoulders and backin preference to the neck or spine. The force-directing members maycomprise, without limitation, rigid but flexible natural, elastomeric,metallic, or synthetic fibers or materials (or a mixture of any ofthese), rods, or narrow flexible strips (battens) permanently orremovably integrated as part of the shoulder pad component.

FIG. 13B depicts the shoulder pad component of FIG. 13A in an elevated,back view, showing the force-directing members 1303 arranged along thetop of the shoulder pad apparatus, and along the portion overlying theshoulders, including the shoulder joint, (see shoulder plates 1309 andarm plates 1311).

In the present invention, even in variants in which the shoulder padcomponent comprises a collar component, the pier connector receptaclesare comprised below the neck level; that is, around the neck opening(i.e., supported by the clavicles, upper ribs, sternum and scapulae andoverlying muscles), and never in the ring or collar surrounding theneck.

This distinction is critical to the present invention. Anchoring thepiers in a collar around the user's neck, even if the collar is attachedto a harness or shoulder pad, could easily lead to severe neck injury.For example, force from a horizontal, continuing blow to one side of thehelmet could cause the helmet to accelerate and move in a horizontaldirection substantially parallel to the collarbone, and could easilyresult in a neck fracture.

By contrast, in the present invention, the piers are anchored below necklevel to the chest, shoulders and upper back (over the scapulae). Byattaching the piers in this location, such a sliding horizontal blow isconcentrated on the upper body rather than the neck, and the force isdistributed over a larger surface than the neck and collarbone.

FIG. 14 is a partial cutaway front view of a helmet component of thepresent invention 1401 comprising a plurality of piers 1405 integratedas part of the helmet component itself 1403, and joining at the crown ofthe helmet 1407. As an integral part of the helmet, the piers comprise asuitably strong and lightweight material, such as, without limitation,one or more of titanium, a titanium alloy, a non-titanium metal, ananostructured ceramic, a nanostructured metal or metal alloy, athermopolymer, or a carbon polymer. The plurality of piers arepreferably connected to more effectively conduct and distribute theforce from a blow to the helmet component among said plurality of piers.

To the extent that a plurality of inventions may be disclosed herein,any such invention shall be understood to have disclosed herein alone,in combination with other features or inventions disclosed herein, orlacking any feature or features not explicitly disclosed as essentialfor that invention. For example, the inventions described in thisspecification can be practiced within elements of, or in combinationwith, other any features, elements, methods or structures describedherein. Additionally, features illustrated herein as being present in aparticular example are intended, in other examples of the presentinvention, to be explicitly lacking from the invention, or combinablewith features described elsewhere in this patent application, in amanner not otherwise illustrated in this patent application or presentin that particular example. The scope of the invention shall bedetermined solely by the language of the claims.

The present invention may, in certain examples, be drawn to a unitaryhelmet component/pier/shoulder pad component assembly, with and withoutthe inner hat and with and without the force-diffusing element. In otherexamples, the invention may be drawn to the helmet component comprisingintegrated piers. In other examples, the invention may be drawn to theshoulder pad component comprising the force-diffusing element. In otherexamples, the invention may be drawn to the helmet component and innerhat. In other examples, the invention may be drawn to methods forprotecting the head from experiencing the full impact of a blow thereto,using any, all, or any combination of the elements of the protectiveheadgear described herein.

Thus, the various descriptions of the invention provided hereinillustrate presently preferred examples of the invention; however, itwill be understood that the invention is not limited to the examplesprovided, or to the specific configurations, shapes, and relation ofelements unless the claims specifically indicate otherwise. Based uponthe present disclosure a person of ordinary skill in the art willimmediately conceive of other alternatives to the specific examplesgiven, such that the present disclosure will be understood to provide afull written description of each of such alternatives as if each hadbeen specifically described.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a) a protective helmetcomponent comprising an impact-resistant polymer and having an interiorsurface comprising a padding component; said helmet component comprisinga face mask component having one or more protective bars, b) a pluralityof substantially inflexible piers integrated into the helmet component,said piers being comprised of a material selected from the groupconsisting of a metal, a metal alloy and a carbon fiber polymer; whereineach of said plurality of piers is joined to a force-diffusingcomponent, and wherein one of said plurality of piers is comprised as aportion of the face mask component of said protective helmet component;c) a shoulder pad component structured to cover the shoulder blades of awearer and comprising a hard polymeric shell with foam paddingunderneath, said shoulder pad component comprising the force-diffusingcomponent integrated as part thereof, wherein said helmet component,plurality of piers and shoulder pad component form a unitary engineerednetwork rendering the helmet component stationary and fixed with respectto the shoulder pad component, and wherein the helmet component isstructured so that the inner surface thereof makes no or minimal directcontact with the wearer's head, thus permitting a wearer's head to movefrom side to side within the helmet component within a range of about 40degrees without the helmet component itself moving.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the one or more protective bars have a strengthsufficient to resist a blow having a force of at least 100 G withoutbreaking.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said plurality ofpiers has a strength sufficient to resist a blow having a force of atleast 100 G without deforming.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising:d) an inner hat component structured to fit on a wearer's head withinthe helmet component, and not attached to the helmet component, saidinner hat comprising a padding comprising a mask component and/orforehead component adapted to prevent injury to a forehead, mouth and/ornose during use, a crown of the inner hat being free to move within theinterior surface of the helmet component when worn, such that a wearercan move the head and inner hat from side to side and/or up and downwithin the helmet.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the interiorsurface of the helmet component comprises at least one additionalpadding component structured to contact said inner hat component.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5, wherein the padding component of the helmetcomponent is substantially smooth.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 whereinat least one of the interior surface of the helmet component and theexterior surface of the inner hat component are substantially smooth. 8.The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said at least one padding componentcontains a fluid-filled bladder.
 9. The apparatus of claim 5, whereinsaid at least one padding component is adapted to contact said inner hatcomponent at a location proximal to a crown of the wearer's head. 10.The apparatus of claim 9, comprising a plurality of padding componentscontacting said inner hathclmct component.
 11. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein said at least one padding component adapted to contact saidinner hat component at a location proximal to a crown of the wearer'shead is structured to rotate about an axis.
 12. The apparatus of claim 4wherein either or both the interior surface of the helmet component andthe exterior surface of the inner hat component have a coatingcomprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
 13. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the piers are non-removable from the shoulder pad component. 14.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the piers are removable from theshoulder pad component.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at leastone of said plurality of piers comprises a shock-absorbing component fordamping forces applied to the shoulder pad component through the atleast one of said plurality of piers.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1wherein at least one of said plurality of piers is positioned at alocation selected from the group consisting of: a posterior of thehelmet component, a left side of the helmet component and a right sideof the helmet component.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidplurality of piers comprise a quick release mechanism to permit thehelmet conwonent to be rapidly removed from the shoulder pad component.18. A method for protecting a player's head from concussion during acontact sport comprising: a) placing a shoulder pad component on saidplayer's upper body, said shoulder pad component structured to cover theshoulder blades of the player and comprising a hard polymer shell withfoam padding underneath, said shoulder pad component further comprisinga force-diffusing element, comprised of a material selected from thegroup consisting of a metallic material and a synthetic material,integrated around a neck opening of the shoulder pad component; b)placing a helmet component on said player's head, said helmet componentcomprising a face-mask component having one or more protective bars andhaving a surface comprising an impact-resistant polymer and a pluralityof piers integrated into the helmet component as part of a helmetmanufacturing process, each pier of said plurality of piers having anend joined to the force diffusing element of said shoulder padcomponent, respectively, to form a unitary engineered network renderingthe helmet component substantially stationary and fixed with respect tothe shoulder pad component with little or none of the helmet's weightapplied to the player's head, and wherein one of said piers is comprisedas a portion of the face mask component of said protective helmetcomponent; the helmet component being structured so that the innersurface thereof makes no or minimal direct contact with the player'shead, thus permitting the head to move from side to side and up and downwithin the helmet component within a range of about 40 degrees withoutthe helmet component itself moving.
 19. The method of claim 18 whereinsteps a) and b) are carried out simultaneously.